The trial ot deposed presl dent Hussain Muhanunad Er shad in a corruption case tn volving the procurement of television cameras and other accessories was adjourned yes terday for the second time In three weeks, in pursuance of a request from the defence, reports BSS.

Ershad is the lone accused in this case — Special Case No 34 of 1993 — popularly known as the ENG Case (Electronic News Gathering case).

Like January 14. yesterday was the date fixed for charge framing.

Immediately after Divisional Sessions and Special Judge Ansaruddin Sikdar took his seat in the special court. Yusuf Hossain Humayun, the chief counsel for Ershad. requested an adjournment by registering a complaint against the authorities of the Central Jail. Dhaka.

Humayun pleaded that despite a court order, he cpuld not hold consultations with his client.

He complained that inter ference by the jail authorities had prevented him from effectively consulting his client.

The counsel prayed for another opportunity of holding a real, exclusive meeting' with his client, as allowed by law. in the Central Jail and an ad journment of the hearing till such time.

Ashrafuddin Ahmed, special public prosecutor, objected to the adjournment prayer and stated that the defence was never in dearth of any excuse or plea to delay the proceedings of the court. He suggested that If the defence counsel had not succeeded In having consultations with his client in jail

as he wished, he may be al lowed to have It In the court premises.

Judge Sikdar asked the de fence counsel if such consulta tion In the courtroom would serve the purpose In this the defence politely declined to have the consultation in the courtroom

After consulting the two sides, the judge adjourned the trial till February 15. He also issued directives to the rele vant authorities so that Er shad's defence counsel could haVe exclusive consultations with his client In the Central Jail before the resumption of the trial.

The case first came up for hearing in September 1993 But subsequently, on the order of the court, reinvestigation was carried out and a fresh charge-sheet submit led in October last year.

According to the allegations the then president, by abusing his official position, had ordered the procurement of two sets of TV cameras, accessories. vehicles, etc for prompt coverage of himself and his wife Raushan Ershad. the then first lady, at a cost of Taka 2.93 crore, including a foreign exchange component of Taka 1.65 crore.